American Girl fashion show heads to the Valley

LIVING DOLLS: Members of the Angels for Easter Seals who are serving as chairmen of the American Doll Fashion Show and Luncheon on March 28 and 29 at Mr. Anthony’s in Boardman are, from left, Geri Kosar, Julie Costas, Betty Cmil and Denise DeBartolo York.

Angels of Easter Seals, known locally for its fundraising efforts for the children and adults with disabilities who are serviced by the Easter Seals Center of Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties, and American Girl, the popular line of dolls that celebrate the experience of being a girl, are joining to present the American Girl Fashion Show and Luncheon.

ABOUT THE SHOW

A presentation of historical and contemporary fashions, the American Girl Fashion Show will take place at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. March 28 and 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. March 29 at Mr. Anthony’s Banquet Center, 7440 South Ave., Boardman.

Doors will open a half hour before each of the four shows.

The fun-filled afternoon for girls and their families, friends and favorite dolls will offer refreshments, the opportunity to obtain souvenirs and win raffle prizes, and the chance to see local girls model fashions that resemble what the popular American Girl historical characters Kaya, Felicity, Josefina, Kirsten, Addy, Samantha, Kit, Molly and Julie might have worn.

Contemporary “Just Like You” outfits for older girls and Bitty Baby fashions for little ones will also be included.

Tickets are $30 for adults, $20 for children (recommended for girls 6 and older) and $50 for patrons. Tickets are limited and will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis.

Reservations are due no later than March 20; they can be made by calling the Easter Seals Center at (330) 743-1168 or by visiting the Easter Seals Web site at www.mtc.easterseals.com.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the Easter Seals Center of Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties.

FEATURES

Raffle prizes are:

• Just Like You doll.

• Kit and Ruthie Best Friends Collection.

• Kit’s tree house.

• Bitty Baby Twins in a stroller.

• Bitty Baby Starter Collection.

• Girl of the Year Collection.

Raffle tickets are available by calling the Easter Seals Center at (330) 743-1168. Tickets are $5 for a book of six, or $1 each. The drawings will be after the last show on March 29; the winner need not be present.

A special raffle will be for the Felicity doll with a bed and clothes press. Tickets cost $5 each. This, too, will be drawn after the last show, and the winner need not be present.

Also, a raffle for an American Girl Doll will take place during intermission at each show. Tickets are $1 each.

The Angels will have a limited supply of souvenirs available at the show. Items can also be pre-ordered by calling the Easter Seals Center no later than Friday and can be picked up at the event. Products are appropriate for ages 8 and older.

American Girl books, miniature dolls and other items will be sold during the show.

The models were chosen based on their resemblance to the American Girl dolls.

Local high-school girls will narrate the programs, and area middle-school girls will be assisting the Angels backstage, selling raffle tickets and acting as hostesses.

BEHIND THE SCENES

Sponsors are DeBartolo Corp./Denise and John York, Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley, The Vindicator, 21 WFMJ, Hot 101, Windsor House Inc., V&M Star LP, The Murphy Contracting Co., Dr. and Mrs. Eric Svenson, Norma and Frank Watson, and Atty. and Mrs. Daniel Rossi.

Any business or individual wishing to make a donation should call the Easter Seals Center.

Chairmen Betty Cmil, Denise York, Geri Kosar and Julie Costas are being assisted by the other members of the Angels of Easter Seals. Linda Welsh, an Angel, is coordinating the shows. Deborah Liptak is president of the Angels.

ABOUT THE ANGELS

Angels of Easter Seals is a volunteer organization of 71 area women who are dedicated to raising funds for area children and adults with disabilities. Each year the Angels donate more than $100,000 to the Easter Seals Center. One hundred percent of the monies earned by the Angels goes to the center and remains in the Valley.

Once the curtain closes on this event, members will immediately turn their attention to the next major fundraiser, the Angels of Easter Seals 32nd Annual Style Show and Luncheon on May 14, also at Mr. Anthony’s.

ABOUT THE DOLLS

The purpose of the historical and contemporary American Girl dolls is to impress upon young girls today that they can do great things if they believe in themselves and each other. Each character has a story that illustrates the power of determination, imagination, courage and hope. Books, clothes and accessories are available to help tell the character’s story.